Former arm wrestling champ's manslaughter trial set to begin

Gary V. Murray TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

Published Monday December 3, 2012 at 6:00 am

Updated Monday December 3, 2012 at 1:44 pm

The trial of a Douglas man charged with manslaughter in connection with his wife’s fatal jump from a second-floor window in their home is scheduled to get under way tomorrow in Worcester Superior Court.

Allen M. Stilkey, 41, was charged with manslaughter, threatening and possession of steroids after a police investigation into the Feb. 10 death of Lisa Stilkey from injuries authorities said the 44-year-old woman suffered when she jumped from a second-story window at the couple’s home at 38 Gilboa St., Douglas.

Police and prosecutors said Mr. and Mrs. Stilkey had been fighting on the night in question and that Mr. Stilkey, a former national arm-wrestling champion, threatened to kill her before her fatal plunge.

Shortly before Mr. Stilkey made a 911 call saying his wife had jumped from the window, Mrs. Stilkey was on the phone with her son, according to prosecutors. They said the son reported to investigators that he heard Mr. Stilkey in the background threatening to kill his mother when she got off the phone.

Prosecutors have also said during court hearings in the case that Mr. Stilkey took out a $250,000 life insurance policy on his wife weeks before her death and that a neighbor of the couple told authorities Mr. Stilkey had been verbally abusive to his wife in the past and that the neighbor had twice seen Mr. Stilkey physically assault her.

A police search of the home revealed evidence of a violent struggle, according to prosecutors.

Mr. Stilkey has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody in lieu of $75,000 cash bail. He is represented by lawyer Michael S. Hussey. Assistant District Attorney Brett F. Dillon is prosecuting the case.